This page provides resources for departmental staff investigating possible academic misconduct under the Student Academic Misconduct Procedures.
Resources
- Guidance on Investigating Academic Misconduct (PDF)
- Best Practice in an Academic Misconduct Interview (PDF)
- Template Level 1 communication to a student (DOCX)
For use in a full investigation. - Advice on assisting stressed and distressed students (PDF)
This resource may be useful if you have concerns about a student's wellbeing.
Reporting suspected academic misconduct
Suspected instances of academic misconduct should be reported using the Alleged Academic Misconduct (AAM) form. This form is for the use of Heads of Departments and their nominees only.
Alleged Academic Misconduct (AAM) form (DOCX)
Once completed and signed, the form should be emailed to academic.integrity@otago.ac.nz.
For information about any previous offending in relation to a particular student, contact:
Email academic.integrity@otago.ac.nz
Sources of advice
The Director Student Experience has central oversight of academic misconduct processes at the University.
Material associated with cases (completed forms etc.) can be sent to:
Email academic.integrity@otago.ac.nz
The University defines three levels of academic misconduct:
- Level One: A first instance of academic misconduct where a student's actions may be regarded as unintentional or naïve and contributed to by a lack of understanding of acceptable academic practice.
- Level Two: Academic misconduct where a student's actions are perceived to be intentional and where the student could reasonably be expected to understand academic practice, or any repeat instance of academic misconduct.
- Level Three: Academic misconduct in which actions are perceived as being intentional and of an extremely serious nature including instances of falsification or fabrication of data, impersonation and/or purchasing of assessment, and instances of persistent academic misconduct.
See the Student Academic Misconduct Procedures
The Associate Deans (Academic) in each Division have delegated responsibility for investigating Level Two and Level Three academic misconduct.
For advice on the overall investigation process and precedent-based outcomes where misconduct has occurred, please, in the first instance contact:
Email academic.integrity@otago.ac.nz
Or contact the Associate Deans (Academic) listed below.
- Commerce
Associate Professor Lynnaire Sheridan
Email ada.commerce@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 479 8035 - Health Sciences
Professor Lois Surgenor
Email lois.surgenor@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 479 6733 - Humanities
Associate Professor Melanie Beres
Email ada.humanities@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 479 8736 - Sciences
Professor Brendan McCane
Email ada.sciences@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 479 8588
For advice on the Student Academic Misconduct Procedures and related policies, contact:
Manager, Policy and Compliance, Academic Services
Email policycompliance@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 479 8993
Contact details
Tel +64 3 471 4738
Email academic.integrity@otago.ac.nz